Australian Rainbowfish – the Natural Diet of a Popular Freshwater Fish

Many years ago I established a school of 75 Boezeman’s Australian Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia boesemani) at the Bronx Zoo. The exhibit, which they shared with mangrove snakes, land crabs and crayfishes, made for a stunning display. And although the building also housed proboscis monkeys, marsh crocodiles, hornbills and other impressive beasts, the brilliantly-colored Rainbowfishes drew a great deal of attention from visitors.

But many keepers become disappointed when, after a time, their fishes’ fading colors do a disservice to the “rainbow” part of their name. Based on experience with related species, I’ve always provided my Rainbowfishes with highly varied diets, in which insects were heavily featured. Those under my care have usually retained their bright colors, and breeding has been consistent. A recent study that examined the natural diet of wild Rainbowfishes seems to bear this out, and has important implications for the care of other species as well.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Roan Art

Terrestrial Insects: an Overlooked Food Item

My lifelong observations of captive and free-living fishes have led me to conclude that land-dwelling insects play an important role in the diets of many freshwater fishes. As anyone with a pool or outdoor pond can imagine, untold numbers find their way into fresh and marine waters each day. In 2009, the research of National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration biologists revealed that terrestrial insects comprise up to 100% of the diets of some US fish species. You can read more about this topic in the articles linked below.

Rainbowfish Study

A recent study, highlighted by the European Zoo Nutrition Center, established that land-dwelling insects comprise 40% of the diet of wild Australian Rainbowfishes…more than any other food group. Aquatic crustaceans were of nearly equal importance (37% of their intake), while algae and seeds were consumed in small quantities (5%). The researchers emphasized that the diet varied among several species, and in accordance with the season and habitat. The general trends, however, were clear.

Avoiding Color Loss

When maintained properly, most of the commonly-kept Rainbowfishes eagerly gobble up just about any food that comes their way. And, having adapted to harsh natural environments, they are usually able to grow and remain vigorous on less-than-ideal diets.

However, their color suffers…indeed, I’ve seen males in private and public collections that were so dull that they appeared to be of a different species. Commercial “color flakes” will help, but are not entirely effective. Breeding will also be curtailed if key nutrients are missing from the diet.

Uploaded to Wikipedia Commons by Eileen Kortright (Roan Art)

Live Food

For Boezeman’s Australian Rainbowfishes and similar species, I suggest a highly-varied diet based on small, whole invertebrates. Whenever possible, but at least 2-3 times weekly, offer live daphnia, mosquito larvae, enriched brine shrimp, blood worms, glass worms, blackworms, crushed snails and similar commercially-available invertebrates. Please see the article linked below for further information on these and similar foods.

Wild-Caught Insects

I have always relied upon wild-caught insects as food for many of the creatures under my care in zoos and at home.

Moths, crane flies, beetles and others can easily be collected around outdoor lights, and a variety of commercial and home-made traps are very effective. Sweeping a net through tall grass will quickly yield a vast assortment of leaf hoppers, ants, flies and other tiny insects (all fascinating in their own right). Larger insects can be frozen and crushed prior to use. Your Rainbowfishes enthusiastic reactions to these and other natural foods will leave no doubt as to their value! Please see the articles linked below for detailed information on trapping and collecting small insects.

About Frank Indiviglio

Being born with a deep interest in animals might seem unfortunate for a native Bronxite , but my family encouraged my interest and the menagerie that sprung from it. Jobs with pet stores and importers had me caring for a fantastic assortment of reptiles and amphibians. After a detour as a lawyer, I was hired as a Bronx Zoo animal keeper and was soon caring for gharials, goliath frogs, king cobras and everything in-between. Research has taken me in pursuit of anacondas, Orinoco crocodiles and other animals in locales ranging from Venezuela’s llanos to Tortuguero’s beaches. Now, after 20+ years with the Bronx Zoo, I am a consultant for several zoos and museums. I have spent time in Japan, and often exchange ideas with zoologists there. I have written books on salamanders, geckos and other “herps”, discussed reptile-keeping on television and presented papers at conferences. A Master’s Degree in biology has led to teaching opportunities. My work puts me in contact with thousands of hobbyists keeping an array of pets. Without fail, I have learned much from them and hope, dear readers, that you will be generous in sharing your thoughts on this blog and web site. For a complete biography of my experience click here.

Top Aquarium Supplies Categories

Visit Our Sister Blogs

That Fish Blog is designed to help promote knowledge of the pet hobby. If you wish to reference or cite specific information from a blog post, we ask that you provide a link back to the original. The content on That Fish Blog is copyright protected and may not be duplicated without written permission. If you have any questions on this policy, feel free to send us an email at blogs@thatpetplace.com.